Generally, this chapter suggests that in order for charter schools to be successful in pursuit of their original purpose (“A way to empower public school teachers to devise their own innovative curricula and methods and to free them from excessive regulation and bureaucracy” (Ravitch 248).), for-profit charters must be banned. Ravitch starts off by explaining how high the expulsion rates are at charter schools. The children that are expelled, usually those who score lower (on average) on standardized tests, and are sent to public schools. Consequently, public schools are responsible for the students that are more difficult to teach while test scores at charter schools rise. Ravitch offers five changes to state law that could realign charter schools with their original purpose.
First, Ravitch suggests that no school should be operated for profit. She says, “The primary goal of a for-profit organization is to maximize profit, not to produce great education” (Ravitch 250). Secondly, Ravitch says that charter schools should be managed by local educators and nonprofit organizations as opposed to charter chains. A charter school managed by a community is more likely to reflect the individualistic goals of that community, as opposed to the goals of a for-profit chain. Next, Ravitch advises that the salaries of charter school executives and principals be aligned with those of public school superintendents and principals. This would likely eliminate competition within a community. Fourth, Ravitch insists that online charter schools are closely monitored. Students who wish to enroll in online charters should be interviewed and deemed legitimate, and upon leaving online schools their funds should follow them. Finally, Ravitch proposes that a portion of students struggling to succeed in public schools be enrolled in charters. Charter schools could then pursue their original goal, to explore new ways to educate these students. Overall, it is essential that instead of competing with each other, charter and public schools cooperate to better the education system in the United States.
Citation:
Ravitch, D. (2013). Reign of Error: The Hoax of the Privatization Movement and the Danger to America’s Public Schools. Vintage.
Ryan Smith
Generally, this chapter suggests that in order for charter schools to be successful in pursuit of their original purpose (“A way to empower public school teachers to devise their own innovative curricula and methods and to free them from excessive regulation and bureaucracy” (Ravitch 248).), for-profit charters must be banned. Ravitch starts off by explaining how high the expulsion rates are at charter schools. The children that are expelled, usually those who score lower (on average) on standardized tests, and are sent to public schools. Consequently, public schools are responsible for the students that are more difficult to teach while test scores at charter schools rise. Ravitch offers five changes to state law that could realign charter schools with their original purpose.
First, Ravitch suggests that no school should be operated for profit. She says, “The primary goal of a for-profit organization is to maximize profit, not to produce great education” (Ravitch 250). Secondly, Ravitch says that charter schools should be managed by local educators and nonprofit organizations as opposed to charter chains. A charter school managed by a community is more likely to reflect the individualistic goals of that community, as opposed to the goals of a for-profit chain. Next, Ravitch advises that the salaries of charter school executives and principals be aligned with those of public school superintendents and principals. This would likely eliminate competition within a community. Fourth, Ravitch insists that online charter schools are closely monitored. Students who wish to enroll in online charters should be interviewed and deemed legitimate, and upon leaving online schools their funds should follow them. Finally, Ravitch proposes that a portion of students struggling to succeed in public schools be enrolled in charters. Charter schools could then pursue their original goal, to explore new ways to educate these students. Overall, it is essential that instead of competing with each other, charter and public schools cooperate to better the education system in the United States.
Citation:
Ravitch, D. (2013). Reign of Error: The Hoax of the Privatization Movement and the Danger to America’s Public Schools. Vintage.